Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. To Australian Parliament: The Philippines Is On The Front Line Against Dangerous Chinese Actions; I Will Not Allow Any Attempt To Seize Our Sovereign Territory

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, in a February 29, 2024, speech that he delivered before the Australian parliament that was posted to the internet by Manila Bulletin Online, that the Philippines is on the "frontline against actions [by China] that undermine regional peace, erode regional stability, and threaten regional success." He said: "I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory." He added: "The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield."

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: "As in 1942, the Philippines now finds itself on the front line against actions that undermine regional peace, erode regional stability, and threaten regional success. Then, as now, we remain firm in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, our jurisdiction. I shall never tire of repeating the declaration that I made from the first day that I took office: 'I will not allow any attempt, by any foreign power, to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory.' The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield.

"Then, as now, the security and continued prosperity of the region of countries like Australia relies upon that effort. Just as we fought to build our rules-based international order, so are we now fighting to protect it. The protection of the South China Sea is a vital, critical global artery. It's crucial to the preservation of regional peace and, I dare say, of global peace. We have an abiding interest in keeping our cities free and open, and in ensuring unimpeded passage and freedom of navigation. We must uphold, preserve, and defend the unified and universal character of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, as the constitution of the oceans.

"We draw strength from the consistent and unequivocal support of Australia, and the international community, for the lawful exercise of our rights, which have been settled under international law. And so, on behalf of the Filipino people, I thank you, Australia, for standing with the Republic of the Philippines."